Licensing Awards 08 finalists revealed

The category finalists for The Licensing Awards 2008 have today been announced by Licensing Source Book Europe.

This year's award categories recognise products, retailers and property owners, while also including five new awards dedicated to brand licensing (encompassing sports and celebrities as well as general brands).

Ian Hyder, director of The Licensing Source Book, said: "It is just fantastic how the whole industry has embraced these awards - and they have become true accolades.

"Not only is it great to see how the tentacles of licensing have spread to bring in new licensees in different areas but also the broadened reach of licensed properties in the branded area. And, as reflected by our panel of judges this year, licensing is truly on the radar for increasing numbers of retailers.

"We have a lot to celebrate and these awards do just that."

For further details on the awards - and to find out how to book tickets - click here.

Best Licensed Dress-up and/or Party Range Lazy Town Dress-up Collection from Cesar UK Disney Princesses Dress-up from The Christy Group Dr Who Dress-up from The Christy Group High School Musical Year Book Dress-up from Rubies Masquerade Thunderbirds Adult Dress-up from Smiffy’s

Best Licensed Interactive Range Go Diego Go! Safari Rescue Wii Game from 2K Games Ben 10 ‘Protector Of Earth’ Games Range from D3 Publisher Of Europe Planet Earth DVD Game from Imagination Games Deal Or No Deal Video Game Range from Mindscape Ratatouille Video Game from THQ

Best Licensed Home Décor, Housewares or Bedding Range High School Musical 2 Lunch Range from DNC Humphrey’s Corner Bedroom Range from Mothercare Plain Lazy Lunchware from Navigate In The Night Garden Children’s Homewares from Spearmark High School Musical Room Makeover Range from Vogue International

The Honorary Achievement Award This special award is to be given to someone who has contributed greatly to the licensing industry. No finalists are to be announced, but the winner is decided as a result of nominations received.